HCCA conducted it’s 51st Annual Meeting on May 13, 2013 at the Hawthorn Center. The highlight of the evening was a special segment led by HCCA president, Stu Kohn, around the subject “What’s on Your Mind and Do We Need Any Significant Changes for Improvement”. This discussion led to some very useful suggestions, including input from Maryland State Delegate, Liz Bobo. She emphasized the HCCA’s unique position as a watchdog organization in the area of land use and development, underscoring the importance of providing a counterbalance to the weighty influence of the development community in local government. Notably, land use and development was by no means the only area covered; other topics included county government, aging in place, education, affordable housing and health care. The discussion and comments will no doubt be an asset in helping HCCA continue its role as major voice in advocating for citizens’ concerns.
Stu Kohn, HCCA President, Leads the Discussion on Citizen Concerns
Earlier in the evening, a food and beverage reception kicked off the event followed by the official business portion of the meeting. This began with a reading of minutes from the 2012 Annual Meeting, followed by the Treasurer’s report and approval of the 2013/14 annual budget. Cathy Hudson, the outgoing HCCA president, then highlighted the accomplishments of the 2012/13 year in her annual report. You can read the full annual report here as well as get additional detail on some of the 2012/13 activity in the accomplishments section of the website.
HCCA Members Enjoy a Light Meal and Beverages Before the Meeting Begins
Next, it was on to the election of new officers and at-large board members. You’ll find information on all of the board members on the Meet the Board of Directors webpage. This year, HCCA is pleased to welcome three new members to the board: Jacquie Sentell, Howard Johnson, and Lisa Markovitz. HCCA looks forward to their continued input as they have already been actively contributing during the past year.
Other meeting highlights include at-large member, Paul Verchinski’s, brief talk and video presentation from the Aging in America Project. Outgoing 2012/13 board officers, Bridget Mugane, Walter Carson and Cathy Hudson (moving from President to Secretary) received recognition for their contributions and leadership over the past several years. Additionally, a thank-you went out to Brian England for allowing the Board to use the meeting room at British American Auto Care for the monthly meetings.
Lastly, for the first time, door prizes were awarded to 3 lucky attendees. HCCA would like to offer a special thanks to the Iron Bridge Wine Company in Columbia who provided a very generous donation of the top door prize for the evening and to Bertucci‘s who also donated a prize. An additional prize was awarded from Johnny’s Bistro on Main. HCCA greatly appreciates the support of these local businesses as well as the support of all of its members as another year of advocacy for citizen concerns begins!